South African media personality, singer, and storyteller Unathi Nkayi is officially stepping back into music with the release of her new single Isikhwele featuring Kwaito legend Professor and rising artist Meez. The track, which drops on 12 June, serves as the first taste of her upcoming album African Love, expected later this spring.
But this isn’t just another music release. Unathi’s return signals something much bigger — a new chapter defined by healing, creative growth, and purposeful storytelling.
Here are three reasons why her comeback matters.
1. She’s Returning With Purpose, Not Pressure
In an industry where artists are often expected to constantly create, Unathi chose to step away when she needed to.
The singer revealed that after the loss of her father and wanting to focus on raising her children, she needed time to regulate herself creatively before returning to music.
“I have not been in a space to create for some time now. Given the loss of my father and wanting to focus on my children, I took some time to regulate myself creatively,” she shared.
For many women balancing careers, family responsibilities, and personal challenges, her honesty is refreshing. Her return is a reminder that taking time to heal is not falling behind — it’s preparing for what’s next.
2. She’s Bringing Storytelling Back to the Centre of Music
While many artists are focused on creating viral moments, Unathi says she wanted her return to be rooted in storytelling.
“I’ve always been known for telling deeper stories, and I wanted this release to reflect that,” she explained.
The music video for Isikhwele is a perfect example. Creatively directed and executive produced by Unathi herself, the visual project serves as a love letter to Soweto during the month commemorating the Soweto Uprisings. It also celebrates South African fashion and luxury design, with Unathi describing herself as a “walking canvas” for local creatives.
The result is a project that goes beyond music, blending culture, heritage, fashion, and film into a single artistic experience.
3. She’s Evolved Into a Multi-Dimensional Creative
This comeback showcases a version of Unathi that is not only a singer but a creative director, producer, storyteller, and curator of African narratives.
Alongside the music video, she has collaborated with acclaimed photographer Nick Boulton on The Isikhwele Series, a digital visual collection designed to extend the life and meaning of the project.
She has also partnered with LOUD IN AFRICA, a global digital platform dedicated to sharing African stories with international audiences.
“I wanted to bring in my broadcasting knowledge and experience on this video. I wanted to tell a story through the film. I wanted to express myself in the creative direction, storyline, editing and styling. I wanted to show how my artistry has evolved,” she said.
It’s this evolution that makes her return particularly significant. Unathi is not simply returning to the industry she left — she’s returning with a broader vision and greater creative control.
The Bottom Line
Unathi’s comeback is more than a new single. It’s a story about growth, resilience, and creative reinvention.
Through Isikhwele, she is reminding audiences why she remains one of South Africa’s most versatile talents: an artist unafraid to take her time, tell meaningful stories, and return stronger than before.
And if this release is any indication, African Love may be one of her most personal and ambitious projects yet.
